forest park

When most people think of St. Louis, they think of that great big arch that can sway when the wind gets too strong. Ben and I both agree that this architectural feat is a waste of time, and we prefer to consider St. Louis’ landmark to be Forest Park.

A big patch of green sprawling amidst urban centers, Forest Park is accessible from almost anywhere. Sometimes runners brave the paths that circle the entire thing-- that makes for quite a day. But the best thing about Forest Park (besides its history) is all that it has to offer. The park offers a grand array of activities, but for now, the free ones: the art museum, the zoo, and of course, feeding the ducks.

The art museum is surprisingly renowned, regardless of the once-grand, now-bland city in which it resides. It hosts famous American works (such as The Jolly Flatboatmen at Port), as well as a few recognizable Europeans. One of Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings can be found there. But one of my favorite galleries is one that hosts dozens of miniature rooms. Not bigger than 2 ft x 2 ft, the rooms host millions of details, from curtains and sewing materials to chandeliers and stools. They accent every architecturally notable era as well, and they make you wish that you were the size of a doll. Furthermore, as a source for either great enjoyment or great discomfort, the museum maintains a few mummies as well. They freak me out a little, but Ben loves them. Currently, the museum is undergoing construction-- and it will be for quite some time. America likes big, and so the museum will be expanding its galleries, café, and gift shop with its new addition. Although I understand that a building older than 125 years can put a strain on opportunities, I'd prefer that they leave my beloved piece of history alone.

The zoo's free admission allows access to another bit of history, home to STL since the World's Fair: the bird cage. Its age is duly noted, and easily makes it stand out among more recent additions at the zoo. One of my favorites of those is the penguin and puffin house. It may be cold and smelly in there, but I am always tempted to just grab a puffin and take it home with me. There's something wonderful about aquatic birds. Of course, there are lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) as well. Another fun thing to do is get some dippin' dots and watch the feeding of the sea lions. There are always kids there, and I think that helps bring out one's own inner child. The only downside of the zoo is the fact that free admission does not mean a free day. Parking, train tickets, gift shops, food, and face painting are definitely not cheap. But on temperate days, the zoo is the place to be. Everyone knows it too. Thankfully, the only real hassle is parking; once inside, it doesn't feel as crowded as it is. Perhaps the best thing about the zoo is the visual stimuli. If you’re not watching animals, you’re watching people. Make sure to keep an eye out for kids on leashes-- it’s out there.

Our last favorite free activity is feeding the ducks. There are bodies of water all around FoPo, which of course means that there are ducks all around those bodies of water. They will really eat anything-- even chicken! On my birthday, Ben took me and a few slices of wheat bread (we had to look out for their health) and just went nuts. Well, at least the birds did. Ever since I was little, I thought ducks were admirable. Perhaps it's because they look like they're gliding when they're really paddling like the devil.

Forest Park is to STL as Central Park is to NYC. I think ours is better though. It’s not very difficult to sneak in past hours, and that’s when all the best views are. The Grand Basin at night is a sight to behold, and running through the timed sprinklers during park curfew during the summer is as close as we ever got to our childhood. But besides the activities that FoPo consistently provides, it hosts the Balloon Glow and sledding on Art Hill at various times throughout the year as well. Oh, and we cannot possibly forget Shakespeare in the Park. Every year, they alternate between comedies and dramas-- they won’t have to repeat for quite some time. This year, it’s Hamlet. To go or not to go? The answer is clear.

Stay cool, St. Louis.